Guide to Christmas party dressing for men

Sarah Young

From the office bash to a big night out with friends, thinking about what to wear to festive occasions can pose quite the sartorial dilemma, especially as parties can be all over the show when it comes to dress code.

No matter what anyone says, there’s something uniquely embarrassing about over- or under-dressing so it’s worth asking colleagues how they plan on interpreting the dress code before settling on a style. If it’s a formal, fancy reception then nothing but black tie with all its bells and whistles will do, but for a casual affair there are other, more stylish ways to get in the festive spirit. 

The key here is knowing just how to stand out in a sea of boring black tuxedos. If you want to wear a suit, make sure it’s not the one you wear to work. Instead, opt for a relaxed alternative in grey or seasonal hues like navy, boozy red and green. If you really want to stand out, velvet should be your go-to. 

While you can’t go wrong with a white shirt, the turtleneck is the best not-too-dressy, not-too-casual substitute. Just make sure to go for a fine-knit; and never tuck it in. If forgoing a jacket altogether, never underestimate the power of a printed shirt. While there’s no shame in keeping things simple, layering patterns and textures can also make an impact. 

— The Independent